PATRICK HAYES

I am a retired Wall Street Investment Banker who has lived in southern Martin County for the past 16 years and in Florida for a total of 21. After earning a Bachelors Degree from Saint Leo College in Florida, I served in the New York Air National Guard from 1969 to 1975. While working on Wall Street I earned a Master of Science Degree in Education from Fordham University, New York City.

I have dedicated the past ten years on environmental issues and growth perspectives. I have served the past six years as an appointed member of the South Florida Water Management District Water Resource Advisory Committee and an alternate to the Martin County Land Acquisition Selection Committee. In 2002, I was elected to the Martin County Soil & Water Conservation District, of which I am currently the Chairman. In 2000, I helped found the Loxahatchee River Coalition and currently volunteer as its Executive Director. I also serve on the State Forestry Advisory Board.

Other volunteer activities include serving as South District Co-Chairman of the Marine Resource Council, member of the Rivers Coalition, as well as serving on the Boards of the Friends of Jonathan Dickinson State Park and the Audubon Society of Martin County. I am a Certified Eco-Tourism Guide and a member of various local Chambers of Commerce.

I am running for Martin County Commissioner because I see the need to combine economic growth with environmental sustainability.

For the last 10 years, I have been very active in growth management issues with specific focus on environmental water supply, sustainability and our quality of life. Most recently, I have become more focused on the relationship between urban and rural development, along with the economic vitality that a thriving community demands.

Therefore, I am uniquely qualified for this position because I have a strong understanding and appreciation of the issues from both sides – economical and environmental.

In my various elected, appointed, and volunteer capacities, I regularly attend and actively participate in meetings of the Martin County Commission, the Land Acquisition Selection Committee, and Public Agencies. As a result, I am constantly in contact and communication with individuals who have been shaping Martin County’s growth policies.

I feel that I have an excellent perspective of the many intricacies that drive sustainable and smart growth in Martin County, and I wish to continue and advance my advocacy for these important issues.